The book of Micah is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament canon. It was written by the prophet Micah, who lived in the eighth century BC.
In the tradition of other prophets, Micah condemned injustice (Micah 2:1–2; 3:1–3), criticized empty religious rituals (6:6–8), called for repentance (6:9; 7:18–19), and prophesied about a future restoration (4:1–4; 5:2). Notably, Micah includes a well-known prophecy about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, recorded approximately seven hundred years before the actual event (Micah 5:2). The book of Micah provides valuable insights for our relationship with God and others, as well as a glimpse into God’s future plan to renew all things.
The first verse of the book attributes the text to Micah, a prophet from Moresheth Gath. He prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, making him a contemporary of Hosea and Isaiah. Unlike some other prophets, Micah proclaimed messages to both Israel and Judah, specifically addressing the capitals of Samaria and Jerusalem. The northern kingdom of Israel had experienced a prolonged period of bad kings, while the southern kingdom of Judah alternated between righteous and unrighteous kings. In the midst of the turmoil on both sides, Micah delivered his prophecies.
Micah’s name, meaning “who is like Yahweh?,” serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and uniqueness. During the latter prophets’ era, Israel and Judah had forgotten about God’s uniqueness, turning to other gods and provoking God’s anger (see Micah 5:10–15). The attitude of both Israel and Judah during this period sharply contrasts with Micah’s name, but we also see elements of hope in God’s undying unfaithfulness.
Despite its brevity, the book of Micah commands respect for its utilization of different literary styles, including lament (Micah 1:8–16; 7:8–10) and a hymn (7:14–20). A distinctive genre in Micah is the “covenant lawsuit,” portraying God suing Israel:
“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.
“Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the Lord has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.
“My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.
I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.”
(Micah 6:1–4).
As with some other books of the Bible, some critics have questioned Micah’s authorship. There is little controversy over the first three chapters, covering the judgment of Israel and Judah, but some critics view the prophetic foretelling portion of the book, chapters 4—5, as a late addition. This perspective reveals a naturalistic bias regarding prophecy. There is no reason to dispute Micah’s authorship of any part of the text. God is well able to predict the future through His prophets (see Isaiah 46:10).
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